Srinagar, Jul 28 : Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jindal South-West Foundation (JSWF) for restoration and conservation of Mughal gardens of Shalimar and Nishat on the bank of famed Dal Lake in Srinagar.
The MoU was signed in presence of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha by commissioner-secretary Floriculture, gardens and parks Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad and chairperson JSWF Ms Sangita Jindal.
As part of this commitment, JSW Foundation led by its Chairperson will assist and support the Government of J&K, both financially and technically in preserving the two heritage gardens under CSR.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor termed the signing of MoU as a new beginning in the conservation of the historic sites which are the hallmarks of J&K’s rich cultural heritage legacy.
‘We are making continuous efforts to restore the ancient glory of UT’s heritage places and propose them for inclusion in World Heritage sites,’ observed the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor noted that the preservation of ecology and cultural heritage, along with growth in the industrial sector are key components of sustainable development.
The government is giving much-needed impetus to integrate the promotion of cultural heritage in UT’s development plan in order to connect the people from across the world with the glorious history of J&K, added the Lt Governor.
Mr Sinha advised the concerned executive agencies to work in close coordination with all stakeholders and have an in-depth understanding of the historic facts and cultural significance while restoring the pristine glory of these heritage gardens.
With its technical expertise, the support of the JSW foundation will provide a determined push to the conservation work of the heritage gardens.
